Lonesome, thanks for the nice words. Does anyone remember the thing on the David Letterman show called "Brush with Fame?" One of the audience would get up and tell a true story about running into some celebrity and then Letterman's writers would give them a second part to read which would contain some jokes. Well let me tell you mine vis a vis the song "If Jesus was a Picker."

I was working a very forgettable club in Nashville called "The LaRue Exchange", when a very reputable publisher said that Ray Stevens ("Everything is Beautiful", "The Streak", "Ahab the Arab") wanted to record "If Jesus was a Picker". Glory Be! Oh Happiness, say's I! A big star wants to do my song. I'll make some real royalties for once in my life. I was already picturing my VISA card payed off and choosing the replacement vehicle for my very tired AMC Pacer, when the phone call came explaining that Mr. Stephens' "people" informed him that "there might be a reference to drugs in the song," and advised him to stay clear of the song and the singer! I tried to reach him to say that it was a JOKE.. "grass" meant "Bluegrass!" My calls were not returned and my brush with fame was brief. Good thing though. I'd much rather play for folkies..they have much better senses of humour! 'specially Mudcatters in condom threads!